Shocks & Struts By Bilstain Any comment ?

Post by **JRL** » 27 Aug 2006, 18:46

ALL Bilsteins, including the yellow HD's will raise a Volvo with stick springs about 1/2" and looks like do do
The yellows are way to rough for anywhere but the smoothest of roads, (like FL).
I had them on for 2 weeks and couldn't wait to remove them, I thought I was having kidney failure.
Having used ALL kinds of shocks, I like the yellow (standard) Konis the best

jem-c70 · Post by **jem-c70** » 29 Aug 2006, 19:23

I've replaced Bilsteins HDs on my C70. with Foni FSDs
The Bilsteins are very HARSH....the Foni FSDs are truly amazing, buy them u will not be disappointed.
The damping is always adjusting to the road surface.

Mike850 · Post by **Mike850** » 14 Feb 2007, 15:09

I have a '94 850 and I am preparing to buy a set of struts for the front. Based on reading this forum, I have narrowed it down to either:

Bilstein Touring ($110 at FCPGroton) or,
Koni Sport ($150 at FCP Groton)

Can anyone tell me anything about the "KONI Sports"?
-Do they raise the front end half inch to an inch like the Bilstein Tourings?
-Is the extra $40 per strut a justifiable expense?

Thank you!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 14 Feb 2007, 15:21

No the Koni's don't raise any part of the car up. $40 isn't much at all after you pay for struts and put them in...Money on these cars really comes into play before, while you're trying to make a decision. Choice is yours...it's whatever you like. Personally if I had it to do over I would have paid the extra 40- not that I don't like the TC's... but I would rather have my car at the proper height. Btw, compare prices over at www.shox.com too...no just at fcpgroton.

Post by **akitawagon** » 14 Feb 2007, 15:25

I have Bilstein HDs (the yellow ones) on my '95 wagon with stock springs and iPd sway bars. I've been happy with the combination, but they can be harsh if you're driving in areas with poor roads, potholes, speed bumps, etc.

Plus, some people have claimed that HDs will also be harder on the rest of your suspension components which might result in more frequent parts replacement.

They do seem to add some height to your front end though if you stay with stock springs. I've had mine on for 8+ years now and they seem to have settled nicely so that the height doesn't look rediculous.

For more info on the range of choices you have and personal experiences, you should do a search here and on some of the other Volvo forums.

Post by **srnkanator** » 15 Feb 2007, 11:23

Im with jem-C70. go with FSD's best of both, I love mine, should cost $600 . . .

Post by **JRL** » 15 Feb 2007, 12:39

srnkanator wrote:Im with jem-C70. go with FSD's best of both, I love mine, should cost $600 . . .

Do yourself a favor, go with the standard Koni yellows

Mike850 · Post by **Mike850** » 15 Feb 2007, 14:00

When you say "standard KONI yellows" are you referring to the "KONI Sport" or is there another KONI that is standard below the sport?

I just got off the phone with SHOX and the guy gave me an education on Bilstein, KONI Sport, and KONI FSD. He said if you are a daily driver and want the good Volvo ride and feel again to go with the Bilstein Tourings ($339 for a set of four). He said if you want the ability to adjust your shocks for stiffer or softer ride pay $200 more for the KONI sport. And if you want the latest technology in KONI the FSD is non-adjustable but has some dampening device that is suppose to be a better ride. At first he was pushing KONI, but when he discovered I don't race the car but drive it daily but still want good handling and ride, he recommended me not to pay the extra for the KONIs. That was his "expert" advice to me. Lastly, I explained how I read the Bilsteins have raised the front of some Volvo owner's cars by as much as 1/2 to 1 inch. He asked me if they replaced the rears as well. So the conclusion was, if they are all 4 replaced as a set the front end height should not be affected. Again, his "expert" opinion.

Post by **JRL** » 15 Feb 2007, 15:09

Mike850 wrote:When you say "standard KONI yellows" are you referring to the "KONI Sport" or is there another KONI that is standard below the sport?

I just got off the phone with SHOX and the guy gave me an education on if they are all 4 replaced as a set the front end height should not be affected. Again, his "expert" opinion.

His expert opinion is wrong.
Bilsteins will RAISE a Volvo about 1/2+ period.
Yes, I suppose the "sport" is what I'm referring to, I just say standard because that shock is their "entry level" shock.
I have had experience with all three and LOVE the Konis MUCH better than Bilsteins which being a gas shock are choppy.
I have ipd bars and Konis on my 850R and it's THE nicest ride of the three shocks along with excellent feel and front end control.
I had Bilsteins (on the R) and removed them after the front end went up like a frog.
I had this problem on other S70s. If they're lowered no big deal, but with stock springs it looks like crap
The FSD'a are good but will give a harder ride, harder than Bilstein tourings and closer to the Bilstein sports which are VERY rough IMO

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 15 Feb 2007, 15:24

I agree that the guy at Shox is wrong. I changed all my shocks and struts (all 4 corners) with TC's (Touring) and my front (not the rear) was raised initially about an inch...finally settled down some but still 1/2 an inch.